In-form Auckland golfer Ryan Fox has company atop the Irish Open leaderboard.
He's backed up his first round of 67, with a three-under-par second round of 69 to move to eight-under midway through the prestigious European Tour event.
Fox has been joined by Frenchman Matthieu Pavon and South Africa's Erik van Rooyen, but is feeling right at home on the classic links course of the Ballyfillin GC in Ireland's far north.
The 32 year old recently had a top-10 finish in Italy and tied for 41st place after qualifying for the US Open in New York.
The Irish Open's been a happy hunting ground for Fox, who finished tied for fourth place at the tournament last year.
He's also trying to secure one of five qualifying places for The Open Championship at Carnoustie, starting July 18.
Fox lost his overnight lead, as Swede Joakin Lagergren recorded an early 68, but stormed home with 34 on the back nine to regain the initiative.
"I tried to take it on yesterday and did the same today," he said afterwards. "I had some great drives on the back nine - maybe one scruffy one up 17, which is a little disappointing, since it was a gimme-birdie hole today.
"But I birdied 16 and 18 with two great tee shots... I'll see if I can keep doing it ovet the weekend."
He was joined by first Pavon and then Van Rooyen, who finished birdie-birdie for a course-record 65. Lagergren sits one stroke back.
"It's probably my first time in one of these events, being right up there, probably leading or going to be in the last group, which is going to be a nice experience tomorrow," said Fox.
"I'll just see what happens tomorrow. Looks like we're going to get another good day, so I'm looking forward to it."
One area he can improve on is his play on the course's three par fives, where he failed to birdy today, after making two yesterday.
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